If the police find that you’re carrying drugs such as cocaine or heroin, they’ll arrest you, send you to court, and you’ll end up in jail or prison, right? Not necessarily. In fact, authorities might send you to a special court called a drug court.

Drug courts are like other courts that feature charges for offenses, judges, advocates, and sentences. What makes drug courts different is that they focus on helping people find treatment for drug offenses, not punishing people for them.

Judges who preside over drug courts might order people to enter treatment for their drug and alcohol abuse. They could require that people be tested regularly for drug or alcohol abuse, or require that they wear devices that monitor the use of such substances.

Drug court judges might establish other requirements, such as requiring participants to attend court regularly to report their progress. If people don’t seek treatment or follow such requirements, they could face punishment for failing to comply. This could mean serving the prison time that they would’ve faced if they hadn’t entered the drug court system in the first place.

Proponents of drug courts say that this approach addresses drug use, alcohol use, and addiction more effectively. They argue that drug courts help people treat their addictions instead of punishing them, punishment that often does not address the problems fueled the addictions themselves.

Supporters of drug courts say that treating such addiction prevents problems in the future. People in treatment might feel less compelled to use drugs and do illegal things to acquire them. They’ll be less likely to be intoxicated and commit crimes or hurt themselves and others if they’re not under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

This might save people from entering the judicial system again, which saves them (and the system) time, effort, and money. Individuals in recovery might not require as much medical care, either. They’re improving their own health and spending less (or insurance and/or governments are spending less) on health care and other addiction-related costs.

Of course, individuals in recovery might also experience better relationships with their families, job and housing prospects, financial outlooks, and other positive benefits. In short, by focusing on treatment instead of punishment, drug courts can help people lead better lives and benefit society as a whole.